Due to circumstances far beyond its control, the Cicero-North Syracuse boys lacrosse team moved across town and played one of its toughest road games of the season.
With concerns rising over lead content on the turf at Bragman Stadium, the Northstars will, for the foreseeable future, practice and play at Archie Hall Stadium, located on the North Syracuse Junior High School campus on Taft Road.
CNS played its first game at Hall Stadium last Tuesday night, against Oswego, and needed some time to adjust to the natural-grass setting before beating the Buccaneers 14-11.
Oswego seized an early 3-2 advantage. But once CNS began to win face-offs and get comfortable on the grass, it started to dominate, outscoring the Bucs 6-1 for the rest of the first half to lead, 9-4, at the break.
Refusing to go away, Oswego closed within two, 10-8, and had a chance right to the end as the Bucs’ defense honed in on containing James Haney, holding him to just one goal and two assists.
Stilll, Haney’s teammates stepped up. Robbie Ashlaw set a new personal mark with five goals. Mike DeBottis and Steven Ianzito each had three goals and two assists, while Nick Heldt and Zach MacNabb also scored. Mike Hamilton added an assist.
Anthony Puma, in goal, recorded eight saves, as Oswego teammates Brett McClelland and Eric Cooper each finished with four goals.
With the win, CNS improved to 8-1 on the season, but faces a big test Friday when it visits Holland Stadium to meet Auburn.
